Fiesta Bowl Boise State vs. Oklahoma January 1, 2007

The dictionary definition of underdog is described as the following; a person who is expected to lose in a contest or conflict. The key word is “expected.” The Broncos of Boise State were expected to lose to the mighty Sooners of Oklahoma. Oklahoma has had a storied football history that includes Heisman trophy winners, National titles and Hall of Famers. Boise State is located in Boise, Idaho. It was as lopsided as you could get, but Boise was beginning to build a good program that could stand next to the big time programs of College Football.

Oklahoma came into this game with a record of 11-2. Boise had an undefeated record of 12-0. No one at the time thought they should be on the same field as Oklahoma. The rumbles of wanting a playoff system were beginning going into this game. All eyes were watching to see if the small school could beat a power house football program.

The Broncos quickly turned it into a shootout when QB Jared Zabransky threw touchdown passes of 49 & 32 yards to wide receiver Drisan James. Running back Ian Johnson ran for a touchdown to give them a 21-10 halftime lead over the Sooners. All the football world was stunned that they could get out to such a lead against the Sooners who had a respectable defense.

The celebrating wouldn’t last long as the Sooners came roaring back. Boise would extend the lead 28-10 to start the third quarter, but Oklahoma would score 25 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarters to go up 35-28. With Boise down by a touchdown on the final drive, they went for it on fourth and long. Zabransky converted a pass to a wide open Jarard Rabb for the game tying 35 yard touchdown with 7 seconds to go.

What more could you ask for than to have them go at it in overtime. Oklahoma received first and scored on one play as Adrian Peterson ran for a 25 yard touchdown, his second of the game. Boise took their time using seven plays to score their touchdown. Rather than go for double overtime however, Boise coach Chris Peterson decided to go for it all. The two point conversion. A risky move, because if they fail to convert, Oklahoma wins and the discussion of playoff system in the future ends as well.

Boise goes for it. Zabransky takes two steps back to pass. He looks right then subtly hands the ball behind his back to running back Ian Johnson who could have just walked in the endzone for the game winning two point conversion. A very important moment and game in the history of College Football. The small schools could not be over looked anymore for BCS bowl games. The discussion grew quickly to eventually have a playoff system in place. If it does happen, they will point to this game as the reason why it happened.